Healthy reservoir levels in North and Central India offset weak stocks in Southern and Eastern regions

The latest Reservoir Storage Bulletin issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC) presents a mixed picture of water availability across the country, with significant regional variations in reservoir storage levels. While the Northern and Central regions have reported storage levels exceeding both last year’s figures and long-term averages, the Eastern and Southern regions remain below historical benchmarks. The Western region, despite recording a slight year-on-year decline, continues to maintain storage levels above the normal average.

Northern Region Maintains Healthy Reservoir Position Ahead of Peak Monsoon

The Northern Region, comprising Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, has reported a favourable storage situation. The region’s 11 reservoirs under CWC monitoring have a combined live storage capacity of 19.836 billion cubic metres (BCM). As on 18 June 2026, these reservoirs contain 6.579 BCM of water, equivalent to 33.17 per cent of their total live storage capacity. This is higher than the 29.21 per cent recorded during the corresponding period last year and also exceeds the normal storage level of 28.54 per cent. The improved storage position reflects stronger water availability across the region and places the northern states in a relatively comfortable position as the monsoon progresses.

Eastern Region Continues to Face Storage Deficit Compared to Historical Levels

The Eastern Region, encompassing Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tripura and West Bengal, remains below both last year’s storage levels and long-term norms. The region’s 27 monitored reservoirs have a total live storage capacity of 21.759 BCM. Current storage stands at 4.545 BCM, accounting for 20.89 per cent of capacity. This is lower than the 23.50 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025 and also below the normal storage level of 23.59 per cent. The figures indicate that reservoir replenishment in the eastern states has not kept pace with historical trends, highlighting the need for sustained rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season.

Western Region Remains Above Normal Despite Marginal Year-on-Year Decline

The Western Region, which includes Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra, continues to maintain a stable storage position. The region’s 53 reservoirs have a combined live storage capacity of 38.094 BCM, of which 11.125 BCM is currently available. This translates to 29.20 per cent of total capacity. Although the figure is slightly lower than the 31.72 per cent recorded during the corresponding period last year, it remains significantly higher than the normal storage level of 22.10 per cent. The data suggests that reservoir conditions across western India remain stronger than historical averages despite the modest decline compared to 2025.

Central Region Emerges as One of the Best-Performing Regions

The Central Region, comprising Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, has recorded one of the strongest reservoir storage performances in the country. The region’s 28 monitored reservoirs have a combined live storage capacity of 48.588 BCM. Current storage has reached 16.408 BCM, representing 33.77 per cent of total capacity. This is substantially higher than the 28.81 per cent recorded during the corresponding period last year and also exceeds the normal storage level of 26.67 per cent. The strong storage position is expected to support agricultural activities, drinking water supply and hydropower generation across the region during the months ahead.

Southern Region Faces Significant Storage Pressure

The Southern Region, comprising Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, continues to face the most challenging storage situation among all regions. The region has the country’s largest aggregate live storage capacity of 55.288 BCM across 47 monitored reservoirs. However, current storage stands at only 11.800 BCM, equivalent to 21.34 per cent of capacity. This is significantly lower than the 38.46 per cent recorded during the corresponding period last year and also below the normal storage level of 22.56 per cent. The sharp year-on-year decline highlights continued pressure on water resources in the southern states and underscores the importance of favourable monsoon inflows in improving reservoir levels.

Monsoon Progress to Determine National Water Security Outlook

The reservoir storage position as of 18 June 2026 reflects a geographically uneven water availability scenario across India. While the Northern and Central regions have entered the monsoon season with storage levels well above both last year’s figures and historical averages, the Eastern and Southern regions continue to face below-normal conditions. The Western region remains relatively comfortable, with storage levels significantly above normal despite a moderate decline compared to the previous year. The performance of the southwest monsoon in the coming weeks will be critical in shaping reservoir replenishment, agricultural prospects, drinking water availability and power generation across the country.

Source: upag.gov.in